Bad Universe DVD

SKU ID #294461

$14.98

In the Bad Universe DVD, follow along with host, Phil Plait as he considers the possibility that we might experience an asteroid explosion of historic proportions, similar to that which took place 65 million years ago and meant the end to the dinosaurs. Plait visits with astronomers, whose job it is to find scary objects and others who spend their careers worrying about what to do about them. These provocative science DVDs explore the ways in which we could stop this asteroid and includes the largest detonation ever to be filmed for a documentary

In the Bad Universe DVD, the Earth sits in the center of a cosmic shooting gallery: we are bombarded by one hundred tons of space debris every single day. Most of this just puts on a pretty light show, but every now and again something bigger and decidedly more deadly comes our way. According to this science DVD, 65 million years ago, an asteroid bigger than Mount Everest slammed into the Earth at a speed 30 times faster than a rifle bullet. The result: an explosion dwarfing our entire nuclear arsenal, and a mass extinction that spelled doom for the dinosaurs. "Bad Universe" host Phil Plait investigates the possibility that we might meet this same fate, talking to astronomers who find dangerous space objects, and others who spend their careers worrying about what to do about them. Do we nuke them, like in Hollywood movies? Or does this make matters worse? If another killer rock has our name on it, just what can we do about it? Join Phil in Bad Universe videos, as he puts several explosive ideas to the test "“ including the largest detonation ever filmed specifically for a science documentary "“ and gets results which just may save our planet.

Shop for the Bad Universe DVD and join host Phil Plait, as he contemplates a repeat of the deadly asteroid that wiped out dinosaurs 65 million years ago and how scientists are trying to develop way to stop it.

Episode:1. Asteroid Apocalypse - 65 million years ago, an asteroid bigger than Mount Everest slammed into the Earth wiping out the dinosaurs. Are we in for the same fate? Phil Plait investigates the possibility and tests some explosive measures that may just save our planet.

2. Alien Attack! - Fearless junk science detractor Phil Plait explores what it would take for a deadly alien visitation to happen on Earth, as well as answer that age old question: Are we alone?

3. Death Stars - The death of a star is one of the most violent forces in the universe capable of causing huge planetary damage. Phil will explore what happens when a dying star becomes a Supernova — or worse yet, a much deadlier Hypernova — and if the Earth is at risk.

First, I also wanted to comment that the first poster doesn't understand G Forces. Plaitt is correct about the G Forces, as these are experienced due to the constant acceleration/deceleration of the ship and has nothing to due to there being "no gravity in space" (a statement which, technically, is incorrect in the first place).

The only downside I see to the show is that it is a little over the top. Compare the show to Plaitt's book "Death from the Skies", and the show looks a lot more like the mass media doom and gloom that Plaitt attempts to balance in his book. But still, a great show none-the-less.

I just wanted to say that this is a really fun show that actually pays attention to the actual science. I also wanted to say to one of the previous commenters, who said that, I paraphrase, "there is no gravity in space so travelers in space would not experience g-forces". Well, G-Forces are associated with acceleration, and object can accelerate for reasons that are not associated with gravity. A ship, expending burning fuel, will accelerate, Newton's Third Law. There you go, G-Forces. That user's comment is incorrect.

Bad Universe is entertaining but Phil Plait presents bad science when he states that interstellar travelers would have to endure excessive G-Forces for months or years to travel from planet to planet. There is no gravity in space, remember? This is basic science. Without gravity, you can travel as fast as you want and will feel no gravity force BECAUSE THERE IS NO GRAVITY! The program flaunts itself as focused on providing science to debunk science fiction stereotypes that are inaccurate and then goes on to present this error to the unsophisticated viewers. How did this one slip through the editors? It sure does not speak well for American science education. No wonder America is far down the list in terms of technology education.